
Class X-^.£-^l^_£c5 
Book_i2d2kS5 



CofpgfitN". 



19 i( 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSfR 



SWEETLY SOLEMN 
THOUGHTS 



SWEETLY SOLEMN 
THOUGHTS 



by 
HELEN ELIZABETH COOLIDGE 



Milwaukee 
THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN COMPANY 

1911 



^oi* 






Copyright by 

THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN CO. 

1911 



vP/ 



^V 



©CI.A303428 



To My Father 



THE SHEPHERDS sing; and shall I silent be? 
My God I no hymne for thee? 
My soul's a shepherd, too; a flock it feeds 
Of thoughts, and words, and deeds. 

—George Herbert. 







CONTENTS 






page 


My Lord and My God 


. . 1 


]My Gleanings 


. . 3 


Influence 


. . 4 


The Transfiguration ..... 


. . 6 


Deo Gratias 


. . 8 


The Church Militant 


. . 9 


The Sheep-Fold 


. . 11 


The Serried Ranks 


. . 12 


Bereft 


. . 15 


Rest 


. . 17 


"To Your Comfort" 


. . 18 


Love Defined 


. . 19 


A Reasonable Sacrifice .... 


. . 20 


Weary Art Thou? 


. . 22 


Church Bells 


. . 24 


Hope 


. . 25 


"Inasmuch" 


. . 26 


As Angels Give 


. . 28 


A Prayer for Rest 


. . 29 


Faith 


. . 30 



Forget 31 

'And Peter" 32 



viii SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 




page 


A Personal Saviour 


34 


Star of Bethlehem! 


36 


His Crowded Kindnesses 


38 


Amen 


40 
42 
43 
44 
46 


Comfort 


In White 


Beloved 


The Gloaming 


-*His Angels 


47 

48 


The Wonderful Hand 


The Thread of Gold 


49 


Vouchsafe 


51 


The Secret of Serenity 


62 


An Altar 


53 
54 


The Portal Barred 


"It Is I" 


55 
56 


The Search-Light 


A Vision 


58 


The Star-Like Lives 


59 


The Twilight Gray 


60 


"But Mary Stood Without" 


62 


Holy Week 


64 
66 


The Seven Words on Calvary .... 


His Courts 


69 
70 


A Diadem 







CONTENTS 


ix 




page 


A Glimpse Within 


. . 71 


Stepping Heavenward .... 


. . 72 


The Golden Gate . . . . 


. . 74 


Even So 


. . 76 


Athirst — FOR the Deaf .... 


. . 77 


Thy Day 


. . 78 


Abba — Father! 


. . 80 


Unto the Haven 


. . 81 


The Beloved of the Lord 


. . 82 


The Inn of Courage 


. 83 


A Rosary 


. . 84 


Sunday 


. . 85 


Prayers When Tempted .... 


. . 86 


The Chord of Self 


. . 87 


Holy Communion 


88 


"Come Unto Me" 


. . 89 


A Little Word 


. . 91 


The Epiphany 


. . 92 


' The Need Unknown 


. . 93 


The Song of the Soul .... 


. . 94 


An Upper Room Furnished 


. . 95 


"Behold thy Mother!" .... 


. . 97 


The Hasty Word 


99 


Joy and Peace in Believing . . 


. . 100 


The Angel of Patience ... 


. . 101 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



PAGE 

Ministry 102 

Vale 104 

Doors Outward 105 

Strength Divine 106 

The Tablelands of God . . 107 

Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By . . . 108 

Take Them To Christ 109 

Follow Me 110 

'•And Lo, that Hand is Scarred" . . . Ill 

In Secert 113 

Perplexities 115 

Tpie Burden of a Sigh 116 

''In Thy Faith and Fear" 117 

To Arms 118 

The Falling of a Tear 119 

The Triple "For" 121 

On Things Above 122 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



MY LORD AND MY GOD! 

If His face I could but see^ 
Then would doubts forever flee; 
If with John I now could lean, 
I should truths eternal glean; 
With that Pillow for my rest 
I would heed my Lord^s behest. 

If His voice I could but hear, 
How His words I would revere ! 
If His touch I could but feel 
It were balm my wounds to heal ; 
His disciple I could be 
Were my world a Galilee. 



Yet His face true faith shall show, 
And my heart with fervor glow; 
I may lean upon His breast, 
There may find content and rest; 
With me doth His spirit dwell. 
Truths eternal still to tell. 

And the Shepherd of the fold 
Calls me now across the wold; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



I, His healing toucii may know, 
Find it balm for every woe. 
Loving Him, my world may be, 
Evermore, a Galilee. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



MY GLEANINGS. 

The sun sinks slowly in the west, 
The little birds all seek the nest; 

Father ! ere my day be done, 

1 count my gleanings, one by one. 

Thou gavest me, at dawn, a field. 
That it to Thee should harvest yield ; 
Father ! weeds apace have grown. 
So oft I tried to toil alone. 

And, oftentimes, was ease my quest, 
And, oft unheeded. Thy behest; 
Father ! had I tilled aright 
A garner full were Thine to-night. 

My path slopes surely to the west, 
And at its end lies promised rest ; 
Father! may my gleanings be, 
As suns shall set, more worthy Thee. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



INFLUENCE. 

I know not how — for words can faint portray 
The meaning true that now I would convey ; 
So deep the subject that I would express 
That all I say sinks into nothingness. 

I know not — yet with all my soul I feel, 
And heart to heart may still, in part, reveal 
The wondrous strength that each of us may 

use, 
Or, using not, the blessing that we lose. 

It is, perchance, when mountain-heights we 
scale, 

A helping-hand, downstretched to those who 
fail; 

Or else a gentle falling, quiet as the dew. 

That may our hopes, our parched souls re- 
new. 

And it may be a lifting of the veil 
When doubt or fear a feeble faith assail; 
A mist dispelled, revealing rifts of blue, 
That, light restored, right purpose doth im- 
bue. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



'Tis often found, we know, in counsel sweety 
Or learned, with Mary, at the Master's feet; 
Its sweetness felt^ — its strength -unmeasured 

still, 
There is no life its beauty may not fill. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE TRANSFIGURATION. 

On Hermon's slopes by faith I see 
The Saviour with His chosen three; 
Enrapt in mystery profound 
I prostrate fall upon the ground; 
Those robes of purest^ glistering white 
Have dazzled my poor earthly sight. 

On Hermon's slopes to-day I see^ 

Together with the chosen three^ 

Two saints of old to Christ appear^ 

And of His precious death I hear; 

His suffering thus has been foreshown, — 

The reed, — the thorn, — the anguished moan. 

On Hermon's slopes the vision glows ! 
With longing all my heart overflows ; 
If I, aside, the veil might draw 
With reverent trembling and with awe, 
Wouldst Thou the mystery reveal 
WTiich now, Christ ! I dumbly feel ? 

The Baptist came to herald Thee 
When Israel would expectant see; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



*Did Moses and Elias tell 

In that Abode where spirits dwell 

That soon they, too, should hear Thee teach, 

The Gospel of deliverance preach? 

'Tis not for finite mind to know; 

We ^^darkly'^ see while here below; — 

But, when these earthly scenes we leave, 

No longer shall our spirits grieve; — 

A Holy Mount, the glorious goal, 

Where, "white as snow,^^ each ransomed soul. 



* **A Devotional Life of Our Lord and Saviour, 
Jesus Christ." — Rev. E. L. Cutis, B.A. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



DEO GRATIAS. 

^Tis easy^ Lord^ these words to say 
A'iTien sunshine gilds mine every day; 
\ATien roses have no thorns to wound, 
^Tiile paths of pleasantness are found; 
^YheJl in Thy sky I see Thy bow 
A grateful heart can overflow. 

But, Lord, I will these words to say 
When I am wounded in the fray; 
When day is changed to darkest night, 
AAliile evil seems to conquer right; 
Teach then my heart to understand 
That with Thy bow my sky is spanned. 

May Deo Gratias be alway 
My praise at break, at close of day; 
For blessings that I may not own 
Let perfect trust in Thee atone; 
Though azure skies be hid from view. 
May faith discern the rainbow's hue. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE CHURCH MILITANT. 

Vast army, whose legions the angels delight. 
AYith laurels hard won in the thick of the 

fight; 
Whose banners are waving on sea and on 

shore. 
The emblems of honor, of truth evermore, 
From dawn of the day till all battles are 

done. 
And mine arms I lay down at the set of the 

sun; 
Upheld by a Power, almighty, divine, 
My love and allegiance shall ever be thine. 

Grand army, whose numbers are never com- 
plete. 

Too loyal, too noble for sin to defeat. 

Where comrades march onward and lustily 
cheer. 

Where death may be welcomed with never a 
fear. 

From dawn of the day till all battles are 
done, 

And mine arms I lay down at set of the sun ; 



10 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



Upheld b)^ a Power^ almighty^ divine^ 
My love and allegiance shall ever be thine. 

Encompassed art thou by witnesses pure^ 
The hosts that now triumph o'er conquests 

made sure. 
An army whose Leader has vanquished the 

foe. 
Where never a step need be lagging or slow. 
From dawn of the day till the last fight is 

won. 
And sweet on mine ear falls the blessed 

^^Well done.'' 
Upheld by a Power, almighty, divine. 
My love and allegiance shall ever be thine. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 11 



THE SHEEP.FOLD. 

Wide-stretched its door that I may enter in; 
I, weary, bruised, bowed down by weight of 

sin; 
Why stand without with trembling and in 

fear? 
"Come unto Me!" — the Shepherd's voice I 

hear. 

Wide-stretched its door; a welcome may be 

mine, 
I may be healed by touch that is divine ; 
Though ninety-nine the Shepherd's voice 

obey. 
He still doth seek the one who is astray. 

Wide-stretched its door; Shepherd, stand- 
ing there, 
I pray Thee harken to the wanderer's prayer ; 
For pastures green, for waters still, I plead. 
To Thee I come, Thou knowest all my need. 



12 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE SERRIED RANKS.* 

With eye of faith behold them ! on listen- 
ing ear let fall 

The tramp of faithful warriors whom fear 
doth not appall; 

Yea, side b}^ side the3^'re marching, in heav- 
enly armor clad, 

0, let the vision glorious, thy drooping heart 
make glad ! 

With fervent zeal now join them ! no laggard 

stejD nor slow, 
If thou, with valiant comrades, wouldst joy 

of conquest know ; 
The same great Leader follow, the colors 

keep unfurled. 
And prove whose Arm is mighty to all the 

watching world. 

Perchance the foe advances ? He may in am- 
bush lie? 

Alert, undaunted, steadfast, his power they 
defy; 

* With reverent affection I dedicate these lines to 
Rt. Rev. William Hobart Hare, whose sunset-gun 
sounded on October 20, 1909, after a long, hard battle, 
bravely fought. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 13 



While countless bayonets glisten, a dazzling^ 

silver sheen^ 
Or, from unnumbered scabbards, gleam 

trust}^ blades and keen. 

The conquerors in Zion are watching us be- 
low, 

0, how intense their longing that we may 
victory know. 

"0, comrades !'^ they entreat us, ^^press on- 
ward to the goal, 

In great Jehovah's army each name would 
we enroll.^' 

So, may we all remember, the while we strug- 
gle here, 

Each comrade to the other gives faithfulness 
and cheer. 

Sometime, by each unheeded, a sunset-gun 
shall sound ! 

May he, at post of duty, be by the Captain 
found. 

When bugle notes, at evening, a requiem 

shall play, 
"One comrade less in struggle,^' with broken 

voice we'll say; 



U SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



One comrade less in struggle; one more has 

triumph won. 
And, even then, in echo, we'll hear the blest 

'^TVell done:'-' 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS L5 



BEREFT. 

Where art thou, well-beloved? 
The silence sad returns mine heart to break ; 
Too deep the mystery lies for human voice 
To answer make. 

Where art thou, dearest love? 
I strain — almost, with waiting, rend mine 

ear. 
Lest I should fail, if thou some word 
should^st speak. 

To swiftly hear. 

Where art thou who hast gone ? 
Alway didst thou thine every feeling share. 
And ever each the other's thought might 
know; 

Love — everywhere. 

Where art thou ? This my cry ! 
Yet I, all dumb with anguish, prostrate 

kneel, 
0, Man of Sorrows ! Thou who erstwhile 
wept. 

Thy touch canst heal ! 



Where art thou? Whispered low; 
I touch His garment's hem, — and then, — 

and then — 
A peace, a cahn my wounded spirit soothe, 
Beyond all ken. 

Where art thou, well beloved? 
I may not know ; — yet this — yet this is sure ; 
Our Father loves — our Saviour shelters 
both ; — 

I can endure. 

Where art thou ? Shadows break ! 
Almost the veil is rent ; almost I see 
Through yearning, tearless ej^es — almost 
divine — 

The mystery. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 17 



REST. 

'Tis not a cessation of labor, 

A folding of long-tired hands; 
'Tis rather, in ceaseless endeavor, 

Obeying a Father's commands. 
'Tis not that the yoke has been lifted, 

The burden made lighter than air; 
It is that with Him who has sent them, 

A joy born of struggle, we share. 

'Tis working as one with thy Saviour 

Who toiled for the Father above; 
Whose rest was in perfect communion. 

Whose peace was His wonderful love. 
'Tis claiming as ours the promise; 

'Tis knowing the yoke is made light; 
'Tis finding the peace of well doing, — 

The dawning of day after night. 



18 SWEETLY SOLE]VIN THOUGHTS 



'TO YOUR comfort;' 

^To your comfort"; S3.j it gladl)' — 
Take its meaning to your heart; 

It is comfort, — sweet, abundant. 
That your Saviour would impart. 

^"To your comfort"; not with shrinking. 

Xot in trembling, doubt or fear ; 
It is comfort that the Master 

Offers for your help and cheer. 

^"To your comfort"; reverent kneeling 
In that ^^upper room" once more. 

It is comfort, — peace, forgiveness, — 
As He opens wide the door. 

^To your comfort"; enter gladly, 
All your bounden duty give; 

It is comfort, never failing. 

That shall make you strong to live. 

^To your comfort"; feel it deeply. 
Take its blessing to your soul ; 

It is comfort, — Christ, the Healer, 
Draws anear to make you whole. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 19 



LOVE DEFINED. 

1 think true love can ever hear 
The whisper of a kindred soul ; 

Or, silence feel when friend is near. 
The aim of both the selfsame goal. 

I think true love doth yearn to hear 
All that is good, and pure, and sweet ; 

All else would fall on fast-sealed ear, 
And echo could no fault repeat. 

I think true love hath gentle voice. 

And, though sometimes ^tis forced to chide, 

Reproof will never be its choice. 
For every blemish it would hide. 

I think true love gives counsel sweet. 
And every burden longs to share ; 

In yearning tones it doth entreat. 
While those who list forget their care. 



20 SWEETLY SOLEMX THOUGHTS 



A REASONABLE SACRIFICE. 

Xaught^ Lord^ have I to offer^ 

All un worthy is Thy child; 
Cold the heart that I would give Thee, 

By a weight of sin defiled. 
I have naught, Lord, to offer. 

Though I yearn myself to give; 
Sore-beset am I, and hindered 

By the life I daily live. 
Duties press and crowd around me, 

Xe'er is time for sweet commune; 
'Midst the world's great fret and tumult 

How can I my heart attune ? 



"JSTaught, My child, hast thou to offer? 

All thy yearnings I can prize ; 
On the path of daily trial 

I can look with pitying eyes. 
0, My child ! the turmoil offer. 

All the duties as they press; 
They are crosses — bear them bravely. 

Thus for Me thy love confess. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 21 



Bravely bear, for I have sent them, 
Thus thy life a song can be ; 

To Mine ear this strain is sweetest; 
^Let Thy will be done in me/ ^^ 



22 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



WEARY ART THOU? 

Weary art thou? Eestless? Sad? 
Take this thought to make thee glad; 
Let thy soul^ to ease its pain 
Harken to this soft refrain; 
x^nd thy Saviour's voice repeat 
In a solemn cadence sweet 

The ^Teace — be still !" 

The 'Teace,— be still r 

Weary art thou ? Hopeless ? Sad ? 

Then this thought should make thee glad; 

List to inner music sweet, 

Christ's entreaty now repeat; 

Know, to thee, when sore oppressed, 

They by Him are still addressed : 

'Tome unto Me r 

''Come unto Me V' 

Weary art thou? Longing? Sad? 
This the thought to make thee glad; 
Never melody more sweet 
Than these words thou may'st repeat : 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 23 



For, to thee, when sore distressed, 
They by Christ are still addressed 
^Will give you restT^ 
^ Will give you rest V^ 



24 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



CHURCH BELLS. 

O'er hill and dale in rhythmic chime. 

Above the city's din^ 
They seem^, to all alike^ to say: 

^^Come ye God's courts within.'^ 

Unheeded by the careless ear^ 
The message that they bring ; 

Yet all His subjects they would call 
To worship God, their King. 

Perchance, within some darkened room, 

A sufferer may hear ; 
To faithful souls, who love and trust, 

Their melody is cheer. 

From prison walls their echo comes. 

Its harmony unchained; 
0, would each fettered soul might list, 

With liberty regained. 

And full of music is their peal 

To each disciple's ear; 
The Lord is in His temple! come, 

^^With love, — with godly fear." 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 25 



HOPE. 

The clouds o'erhang^ — yet, spirit frail, 
With upward gaze seek strength divine ; 
When wrapped in shadow lies the vale 
The mountain climb ; there light shall shine. 
Though rough the path, though long and 

steep, 
Safe charge God's angels ever keep 
O'er soul confiding. 

The clouds o'erhang, — yet, spirit frail, 
With silver edge each now behold; 
And, if thou wilt the mountain scale, 
Lo ! glorious they as molten gold ; 
never downward cast thine eye. 
But ever lift it to the sky. 
In faith abiding. 

Though clouds o'erhang, lift up thy head ! 
Though dimly seen the heavenly goal, 
E'en now may'st thou be comforted 
If thou art valiant. Christian soul; 
0, from the heights, fair Canaan view, 
The love, that with each morn is new, 
Fresh zeal inspiring. 



26 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



"INASMUCH." 

Ahungered and athirst, to-day 
Two pilgrims passed along my way; 
The cup of water I could give, 
With meat impart the strength to live; 
I needed not they should implore, 
Twas joy to share my heaven-sent store; 
For I seemed to feel a touch. 
And to hear an ^^Inasmuch/^ 

"Ye have done it unto Me/^ 

A stranger crossed my path to-day, 
I gave him welcome, bade him stay ; 
With raiment I a brother clad. 
Was with the joy of giving glad; 
For I thought I felt a touch. 
That I heard an "Inasmuch,'^ 

"Ye have done it unto Me/^ 

I heard to-day a piteous moan. 
The sick I could not leave alone; 
To one imprisoned gave I cheer. 
To both, in tender love, drew near ; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 27 



For I Icnew I felt a touch, 
That I heard an "Inasmuch," 
That my Saviour spoke to me, 

"Ye have done it unto Me.'' 



28 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

AS ANGELS GIVE. 

Suggested by words of George Macdonald. 

A floweret fair, all fresh and sweet, 
Can be with meaning true replete. 

An emblem it of love. 
Yet with far deeper meaning fraught, 
Shall be the giving of a thought, 

Inspired from above. 

Eesplendent may a jewel shine. 
And of true love be oft the sign. 

Secure in setting rare; 
Yet with far brighter luster glows. 
When from a heart of gold it flows, 

A thought once harbored there. 

And so, dear friend, I draw anear. 
To whisper low these words of cheer. 

As antidote for care; 
If purest thoughts within us live. 
Then may we each, as angels, give, — 

What things ^^are lovely'^ share. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 20 



A PRAYER FOR REST. 

Before the Throne I lowly kneel! 
Thou know'st the need^ all unexpressed: 
Do Thou Thy tender love reveal ; 
grant me rest! 

Silent would I commune with Thee ! 
My sins Thou know'st, though unconf essed ; 
The heart repentant Thou dost see; 
grant me rest ! 

Though voiceless^ Thou my prayer dost hear^ 
And I may lean upon Thy breast ; 
Love's answer sent shall quiet fear, 
And give me rest. 

Let me, confiding in Thy love, 
On earth obey Thy least behest ; 
Then, grant to me the life above 
That needs no rest. 



30 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



FAITH. 

I cannot see — life's path before me lies — 
ISTor can I tell, dear Lord, where it shall 
lead ; 
Yet this, that Thou mine every step shalt 
guide, 
I firm believe, — and 'tis a blessed creed. 

I cannot see — the road winds on and on — 
At each turn. Lord, what is in store for 
me; 

It matters not; content am I to wait; 
At every step my weakness leans on Thee. 

I cannot see — ^the evening darkness falls; 

The shadowy valley lies not far away ; 
I closer clasp an outstretched Hand, and 
know 

That soon, for me, shall dawn Eternal Day. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 31 



FORGET. 

Forget the pain and heartache, 
For God gives healing balm ; 

And then, remember only 
That after storm is calm. 

Forget the puzzling problems 

That fill thy daily life; 
And then, remember only 

That victory follows strife. 

Forget thine own great frailty; 

Just lean upon thy Strength; 
And then, remember only 

What ends thy journey ^s length. 

Forget to look behind thee ; 

Still onward, onward press ; 
Eemember, with a joyful heart. 

The Lord, thy Righteousness. 



32 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

"AND PETER/' 

"Tell His Disciples, and Peter" (Mark 16:7). 

I love to feel;, dear Master^, the meaning of 

Thy word, 
To harken for the angel- voice the holy women 

heard ; 
A Eisen Saviour glorious ! yet still hadst 

Thou a thought 
For those who had forsaken, had set Thee, 
Lord, at naught. 

A Eisen Saviour glorious ! yet oh ! a Master 

still. 
Whose voice of full forgiveness the penitent 

can thrill; 
To Thomases who doubt Thee, and Peters 

who deny. 
To all the frail and erring. Thou dost Thy 

strength supply. 

0, when we are discouraged this life a fail- 
ure seems; 

Then grant the one eternal may come to us 
in gleams; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 33 



In Galilee, though duties, though cares, 

around us press, 
Give us to meet ^^the Master'^ whose touch is 

tenderness. 



34 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

A PERSONAL SAVIOUR. 

"And will manifest Myself to him." 

Jesus Christ. I crave from Thee 
A gift^ all gifts above; 

Let Thy disciple henceforth see 
The nearness of Thy love. 

There is within a longing sore 
To feel that Thou art mine, 

A friend, to trust for evermore, 
Although Thou art divine. 

1 feel, sometimes, if I could lean 
Aweary on Thv breast. 

If once Thy human form were seen, 
That I would peaceful rest; 

Could I Thy voice, with ilary, hear. 
With Martha, care for Thee, 

Then, perfect love would banish fear, — 
This world were Bethany. 

If I could claim Thy matchless prayer 
Eor ^^those who shaU believe,'^ 

Then every burden I could bear, 
No longer should I grieve. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 35 



If spices rare I, too, had brought, 
Thine open tomb had found, 

What might not I in love have wrought, 
By doubt no longer bound ! 

* * * 

^^0 faithless Thomas, hither reach 

Thy timid, wavering hand! 
Most precious truths I long to teach 

Till thou canst understand. 
Eemember, they who have not seen 

Are, in believing, blest. 
Upon My strength thy weakness lean : — 

Come unto Me and — rest/^ 



36 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



O STAR OF BETHLEHEM 1 

Star of Bethlehem ! for us 

Undimmed;, thou still dost glow^ 
A guide when weary^ faltering feet 

To worship Christ would go ; 
So long ago ! yet still how true 

The message thou canst bring, 
As, gazing toward the eastern slrjr, 

We hear the angels sing. 

Star of Bethlehem ! thy light— 

A banner still unfurled — 
Is seen, by soldiers of the cross, 

Through all this darksome world; 
Where it doth shine, no prison bars 

Can hide it from our view; 
Though dim the path that we must tread, 

Our hope it can renew. 

Star of Bethlehem ! when faint 

Our feeble faith shall grow. 
Illume with thy celestial light 

The way that we must go ; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 37 



Shine on, Star ! as ages roll, 
Undimmed, in beauty, shine; 

Till every weary, groping soul 
Has found the Light Divine. 



38 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

HIS CROWDED KINDNESSES. 

(Alex. Maclarex. ) 

That manifold His mercies well I know, 
And yet, for those withheld, do sadly yearn, 
And thus forget what love doth oft bestow. 
Or chafe, when resignation I should leam. 
His kindnesses, could but mine eyes behold ! 
How, crowding all my life, they still are sent. 
The wondrous strength that weakness doth 

enfold, 
Ah I then would heart overflow with sweet 

content. 

I count them now, — the rose and not the 

thorn ; 
The azure — not the leaden skies above; 
So much there is of beauty to adorn. 
Such endless proofs of an unfailing love ; 
The handclasp close of faithful friends so 

dear. 
Their tender tone, their yet more loving 

thought ! 
Should not a smile forbid the bitter tear 
When all my life is with such mercy fraught ? 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 39 



His kindnesses, downpressed and running 

o'er! 
Until the day shall break and shadows flee, 
Though all unworthy, I will love Him more, 
The crosses bear that He shall send to me. 
may the praises I, to Him, shall mete. 
Overflow with love, allegiance true shall 

show; 
That thus my life, with thankfulness replete, 
To His wise will may resignation know ! 



40 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



AMEN. 

Whate'er the lot, Father, Thou shalt 

choose, 
WTiate'er the way Thou wouldst my service 

use, 

loyal in my love — again, — again, — 
Both heart and mind would say 

^^Amen ! Amen ?^ 

If joy attend me in the way I go, 

With grateful love my heart would overflow; 

If grief o'erwhelm, through all the darkness, 
then, 

1 still would answer give, 

^^Amen ! Amen V' 

If Thou, ere I shall faint in noonday heat, 
Should'st bid me rest, — my work for Thee 

complete. 
Or if the day be spent, — I'd answer, when 
It is Thy will to call, 

^'Amen ! Amen V^ 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 41 



And thus, as sweet refrain, my evening song 
To my new life eternal shall belong; — 
For I, ^mid joys beyond all human ken, 
Shall chant with choirs above, 
^^Amen ! Amen V^ 



42 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



COMFORT. 

A wayward child^ who from the fold has 

strayed^ 
Who will not bear the cross upon me laid ; 
And yet Thou stilly my Shepherd, waiting 

stand, 
And I may grasp a wounded, outstretched 

hand. 

A blinded child, who cannot see aright. 
And yet is feebly groping toward the light ; 
Benumbed, I fail to think, or feel, or pray ; 
On my bruised head the touch of healing lay ! 

A weary child who comes to Thee for rest. 
To murmurs still, in leaning on Thy breast; 
The day is long, the pathway rough and 

steep. 
And yet Thou givest Thy beloved — sleep. 

I may be one, or all, dear Christ, of these ; 
Thou knowest best Who shall the burden 

ease; 
To promised love — though erring, weak — I 

cling. 
And thus shall covert find — Thy sheltering 

wing. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 43 



IN WHITE. 

"A memory written all in white." 

— Julia Ward Howe. 

In white ! for thus their virtue we proclaim, 
Untarnished honor and a spotless name; 
Like robes that glisten in that other sphere^ 
Or sins effaced, that as the snow appear. 

In white ! because in letters fair we trace 
All that endeared when we were face to face ; 
Those lovely deeds with which the life was 

fraught, 
And which bespoke their Christlikeness in 

thought. 

Unsullied ! as we paint a lily fair, 

For human frailty was transformed by 

prayer; 
That beauty true, the soul unconscious wore, 
Its imprint leaves when lonely hearts are 

sore. 

Ah ! how shall we the page before us write 
That those we love may read it with delight ? 
Live near to Christ — the pen that He shall 

guide. 
Will trace, in white, what Love has purified. 



SWEETLY SOLE^I^ THOUGHTS 



belo\t:d. 

Why may not I sweet comfort find. 

Believing Thou art nigh. 
That all my istmggles now are known. 

That in the by and by 
The yeil asunder will be rent. 

All griefo forever past; 
When skies of heaven's perfect blue 

Jfo elond shall overcast. 

So perfect then shall friendship be — 



Thonght answering to thought — 
That silence shall be eloquent. 

With deepest meaning fraught; 
Ah ! then beloved, shall I know 

That, while I lingered here. 
Thy love divined what human speech 

Had robbed of meaning clear. 

Why may not I sweet comfort take. 
In soothing thoughts like these ? 

A ^^Man of Sorrows^' was our Lord, 
His love would heartaches ease ; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 45 



The ^^coiinsel sweet^^ of friend with friend 

We knew as earthly joy, 
A foretaste was of heavenly bliss, 

A bliss without alloy. 

And, as I muse, more brave I grow. 

For hope has dried the tear ; 
Glad sunbeams fall upon my cross, 

Again I feel thee near; 
We wait — but, for a little while. 

To both the promise given, 
Together ^^^perfect to be made," 

Together — enter heaven. 



46 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE GLOAMING. 

0, in the sweet gloam listen^ 
Thou restless heart of mine ! 

Behold those robes that glisten 
Around a Form divine ; 

Christ speaks to those who listen, 
To murmurings, like thine. 

And thus, quick pulses stilling, 
Shall every tender word, 

Thine inner being thrilling. 
Be sweetest ever heard ; 

For He, thy spirit filling. 
Has holy impulse stirred. 

To Him all care confiding, 
No longer feel oppressed. 

The gifts of His providing 
Can only be the best ; 

The peace of His abiding 
Alone is perfect rest. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 47 



HIS ANGELS. ' 

Tlis angels ! 0, the sweetness of the thought^ 

And with what peace our pilgrimage is 
fraught, 

When we, if weary, struggling, sore op- 
pressed. 

In perfect trust our weakness have confessed. 

His angels guard! how can we trembling, 

fear 
When hosts celestial watch our footsteps 

here? 
Though dense the clouds through which we 

grope toward light. 
To angel eyes the path is always bright. 

His angels ! Ah ! so often do they keep 
Untiring vigil, while we thoughtless sleep, 
Or else, w^hen wayward feet have gone astray, 
They lead us home — though rough must be 
the way. 

His angels ! 0, in comfort of this thought. 
What valiant deeds may for His praise be 

wrought ! 
If only we, when darkness shall surround. 
In child-like faith, in joyful hope, abound. 



48 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE WONDERFUL HAND. 

"Lie down, be quiet ; you are not to do it ; 
never mind why." — Archbishop Benson. 

When I am wayward^ restless^ ill^ 
Its gentle pressure says^ ^'Be still V' 
^^Lie down^ nor mind the reason why — 
In stillness harken^ It is I V^ 

From time to time 'twill love reveal. 
And, yielding, I its peace shall feel ; 
Lie down — "Come unto Me, and rest,'' 
Though wherefore still be unexpressed. 

Although it seems a mystery deep. 
The weary it shall soothe to sleep; 
If only I will clasp it tight. 
My yoke 'twill ease, my burden light. 

That for my strength it should avail. 
It once felt print of cruel nail ; 
^Ij faith, love, hope, it can restore. 
Its healing touch I now implore. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 49 



THE THREAD OF GOLD. 

In raiment dull 'twas once arrayed, 
No sunshine lent its gleam; 

But now a change I grateful note, 
As if in wakening dream ; 

A thread of gold ! yes, I see 
A golden thread inwove for me ! 

To somber garb it brightness lends, 
It glistens here and there ; 

The erstwhile barrenness is gone, 
Eeplaced by blossoms fair; 

0, thread of gold, with sparkling eye, 
Methinks thee, glittering, I espy! 

A life self-centered, idle, bare — 
For other's weal no thought; 

No wonder if the raiment were 
In darkest colors wrought ! 

That thread of gold had never lent 
Its beauty for my heart's content. 

Ah ! tell me, now, this parable : 
What warp, which woof was mine. 



50 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



Those darkened hues that me enwrapped, 
With which no gold could twine? 

What is the lustrous thread I find. 
With all my life, now intertwined ? 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 51 



VOUCHSAFE. 

Vouchsafe, throughout this present day, 
My Guide to be, my Staff, my Stay; 
Mine ears unclose, that I may hear 
Thy faintest call, Saviour dear ! 
Amen! 

When, sore-oppressed by noon-day heat, 
I cast my burdens at Thy feet. 
Vouchsafe the strength that shall prevail ; 
By Thee upheld, I cannot fail. 
Amen! 

Vouchsafe, to-night, the gift of sleep. 
And, through the dark, from danger keep ; 
May I, in leaning on Thy breast. 
The secret know of perfect rest. 
Amen! 



52 SWEETLY SOLEMX THOUGHTS 



THE SECRET OF SERENITY. 

weary^ storm-tossed soul, wouldst thou 
The blessed, heavenly secret know? 
Then harken to the word revealed. 
Till love and peace thine heart o'erflow. 

Love God, — for then, the promise says. 
All things for good shall work for thee; 
Love God : herein no mystery lies. 
If only faith His love will see. 

All joy and sweet content shall be 
Held out to be thy portion here ; 
All things shall satisfy, and doubts 
Xo longer shall oppress with fear. 

For Love their questioning vague shall still. 
And Love illume the darkened way; 
And Heaven on earth shall thus begin. 
If thou the God of Love obey. 

Lift up thine heart, in praise to Him 
Who has, in love, bestowed on thee 
The gift that all thy world transforms : — 
The secret of serenity. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 53 



AN ALTAR. 

The countless interruptions, the crossing of 
my will, 

The little frets and worries that all to-day 
shall fill, 

I'll build of them an altar where sacrifice I'll 
burn, 

And thus my Father's lesson, with mind sub- 
missive, learn. 



54 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

THE PORTAL BARRED. 

A Paraphrase (Helen Keller.) 

Alone, I stand before a portal barred, 
And, anguished, of delighis within I dream; 
Of light, of friendship true, of music sweet ; 
The last I know not, nor of light have gleam. 

Alone am I : immense the silence falls ; 
My heart, undisciplined, throbs wildly still ; 
And yet the bitter, futile words I check. 
And seek, though yearning sore, my Father's 
will. 

And while alone, with tears unshed, I wait. 
Comes radiant Hope, with courage in her 

smile. 
Who, whispering low, the happy secret gives 
That shall, henceforth, the weary way beguile. 

With other's eyes the longed-for light I see ! 
Through ears unsealed a symphony is mine ! 
The joy that self forgets ! if this I learn. 
My heart shall overflow with peace divine. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 55 



"IT IS I." 

Thus speak^ dear Lord, I pray; 
When, tempest-tossed, my soul shall be, 
Let me behold a Form divine 
Upon the raging, angry sea; 
I, hands outstretched to succor me. 
Would clasp in mine. 

0, speak then. Lord, to me; 
When all my day is changed to night, 
As sorrow doth my faith assail. 
When I am groping toward the light. 
And fiercest is the hard-fought fight. 
Else I shall fail. 

On ears fast-closing. Lord, 
Let fall those blessed words, I pray; 
When I draw near once distant shore, 
As swift my life shall ebb away. 
Till, with Thy saints in bright array, 
I Thee adore. 



56 SWEETLY SOLEMX THOUGHTS 



THE SEARCH-UGHT. 

"What have you done to-day that nobody but a 
Christian would do?" — Malthie D. Bahcock. 

The search-light of this query^ what doth it 

not reveal ? 
In penitence and sorrow^ Lord^ doth Thy 

disciple kneel; 
So many little ways were mine^ to Thy dear 

name confess^ 
So much there was I might have done^ the 

least of Thine to bless. 

The search-light of this qnery^ no fault un- 
seen shall leave; 

The darkest^ darkest corners show how much 
I should retrieve; 

The mote that I was wont to see in someone 
else's eye^ 

I cannot find, dear Lord, if I, for beam in 
mine will sigh. 

The search-light of this query shows a wan- 
derer astray, 

And yet, in mercy, it illumes the narrow, 
narrow way; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 57 



Vouchsafe to me a morrow, Lord, wherein 

my light may shine, 
Wherein I may, unconscious, show I lean on 

strength Divine. 



58 SWEETLY SOLE^IX THOUGHTS 



A VISION. 

I first beheld the Yesterdays 

Within a Hand divine. 
And thus I knew not e'en in thought 

Should they again be mine. 

Within the hollow of God's hand 

I saw the future lie ! 
And knew for griefs its Morrows hold 

Twere faithless now to sigh. 

And then, by faith illumed, To-day 

I saw more glorious shine ; 
And safe, within a mighty Hand, 

This feeble one of mine. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 59 

THE STAR-LIKE UVES. 

Paraphrase {Phillips Brooks). 

So calm are they, with steady light 

Not knowing that they siiine; 
These gentle, faithful, lovely lives 

Eeflect the light divine. 

They shine for us, — our struggling souls 

Their restful beauty feel; 
We lift our eyes ! They, silent, teach. 

And heavenly truths reveal. 

In sweet unconsciousness — so pure 

We hurtful thoughts forget ; 
So wrapped in goodness, seeing them 

We sinful deeds regret. 

The star-like lives our beacons are. 

They to the haven guide ; 
And we may shine with steady light 

If we, in Christ, abide. 



60 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE TWILIGHT GRAY. 

why should we dread it;, the twilight so 

gray, 
The shadows of eve after glare of the day; 
The full-ripened sheaf when the labor is 

done, 

A sheaf that is golden at set of the sun ? 

why should this twilight be met with a 
sigh? 

Why grieve for the years that have swiftly 
flown by? 

For life is eternal, the twilight, so gray. 

But heralds the dawn of a heavenly day. 

The twilight gives peace to the soft-shining 
star, 

Wliile our hearts we uplift, and thought 
drifts afar; 

Once, turmoil and din — now, the silence of 
rest. 

With the Comforter near to soothe the dis- 
tressed. 



why should we dread it, this gray of the 

eve! 
why not its blessings rejoice to receive? 
For life is unending — ^tis twilight to-day, — 
To-morrow, the shadows shall all flee away. 



62 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

BUT MARY STOOD WITHOUT. 

8t. John 20 : 2. 

These blessed Easter lessons would we for 

comfort know. 
With Mary to the garden, right early, should 

we go; 
Yet mark the words that tell us the story of 

her tears — 
That, while "withouf ^ she lingered, o'ereome 

was she by fears. 

'Twas only, as with longing she stooped the 

tomb to see. 
The shining angel-guardians her vision 

bright could be ; 
Her heart with sorrow laden could words of 

comfort hear. 
Although, as yet, she knew not the Saviour 

standing near. 

We may not, dulled by weeping, impassive 

stand, and mourn. 
We needs must seek the Healer, when hearts 

are bruised and torn; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 63 



And if these Easter lessons the soul with 

praise would fill, 
The ^^gardener's'^ no longer, but Christ's own 

voice, should thrill. 

"Eabboni !" on this morning our joyful lips 

should cry, 
"Eabboni!'' still "Eabboni!'' although He 

dwells on High; 
Then, to the brethren, joyful, we each of us 

may go. 
Till all who sit in darkness an Easter dawn 

shall know. 



64 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



HOLY WEEK. 

With waving palms^, with loud acclaim. 

"Hosanna V^ is our cry ; 
grant our lips may never shout 

The cruel : ^'Crucify r 
Up to Jerusalem with Thee 

Would Thy disciples go ; 
Ere dawns a Eesurrection-morn, 

We^ too, must sorrow know. 

At close of day, in Bethany, 

Master, Thee we meet ! 
With Martha serve, with Mary learn 

Thy doctrine, pure and sweet ; 
An ^^pper-room^^ ^^made ready'^ is 

For those who love Thee, Lord, 
On Bread of Heaven we may feed. 

And drink the Blood outpoured. 

By Paschal moon Thy steps we trace 

Through sad Gethsemane; 
So weak we cannot even watch 

One little hour with Thee; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 65 



To Judgment Hall we follow now, 

There hark to words of scorn ; 
Behold the reed — the royal robe — 

Behold the crown of thorn ! 

Thee, faint beneath Thine awful cross, 

Again Thy followers see, 
As, one by one, our love recalls 

The scenes on Calvary; 
Yet — glorious thought — most blessed Lord, 

Who once our ransom gave, 
Forevermore w^e worship Thee 

As Victor o^er the grave ! 



66 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

THE SEVEN WORDS OF CALVARY. 

Suggested by Ian Maclaren. 

'Tather, forgive V Such was, Christ, Thy 

matchless prayer, 
For all of us with lesson fraught to never 

malice bear; 
E'en in Thy dying agony unselfish was Thy 

thought, 
Forbearance for Thy foes, dear Lord, Thou 

from the Father sought. 

Then, to the thief repentant Thy mercy spake 
the word. 

As by Thy patient majesty his loyalty was 
stirred ; 

For Paradise, with gates unbarred, his dim- 
ming eyes could see. 

The Saviour of mankind adore, in spite of 
shameful Tree. 

How tenderly Thy pity. Thy yearning love, 

was shown! 
Thou wouldst not leave Thy mother to bear 
her grief alone ; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 67 



The loved disciple barkened and hastened to 

obey, 
A breaking heart found solace, when Thou, 

^^Beholdr didst say. 

Ah ! now we must be silent before Thy holy 

theme. 
Those words that tell of anguish beyond our 

power to dream ; 
That veil may not be lifted, nor even drawn 

aside. 
Our hearts are bowed in sorrow for Thee, the 

Crucified. 

"I thirst !• ^ Dear Lord, how human this pit- 
eous appeal. 

That did, with touching pathos. Thy suffer- 
ing reveal; 

Son of Man, who all things hast felt as, 
too, must we. 

May we be brave, unflinching, in looking up 
to Thee. 

And now, the darkness lifted, th6 end draws 

very near! 
The cry of 'It is finished!'' the faithful 

watchers hear ! 



68 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



Three littie words, yet marvellous the mean- 
ings they enclose. 

Three little words, yet what they cosl^ alone 
OUT Savionr knows. 

To those of us who gather, that holy cross 

anear. 
The last Thy lips have uttered will be the 

word most dear: 
How human in its tenderness, how full of 

rest and peace. 
As, yielded to the Father, Thy spirit knew 

release. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 69 



HIS COURTS. 

A holy temple^ where we meet 

To strew our palms before His feet, 

To sound His praise in anthems sweet. 

A hallowed spot, whereon we stand 
To harken for our Lord^s command. 
To reach, and find, His guiding hand. 

A mountain-top, for earnest prayer. 
Where Hope may wrestle with Despair, 
And children seek a Father's care. 

Bethesda, where distress we leave. 

Where angeFs visits we receive; 

Whose waters cleanse when sin doth grieve. 

A sheep-fold, with an open door. 

Where, bruised and torn, we help implore; 

Who enters in, need stray no more. 



70 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



A DIADEM. 

The little worries of each day 
But fritter all our strength away ; 
Let us resolve, henceforth, to wear 
A crown of jewels set with care. 

Let Patience be the brightest gem 
That shall adorn this diadem; 
The patience won by patient thought, 
The patient deed, in calmness wrought. 

Forbearance must with luster shine, 
With it Unselfishness combine; 
^Tis hard, yet if our will we yield. 
These gems, in beauty, stand revealed. 

Let Love with all these stones entwine, 
A love of things that are divine ; 
And Peace, the perfect pearl, and pure. 
As priceless gem we must secure. 

The shadows then shall flee away 
And sunshine gild our every day ; 
The crown thus won will ever glow. 
Once care-worn lives with joy overflow. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 71 



A GLIMPSE WITHIN. 

A glimpse within! Grant I may see- 
With eyes that sweet compassion fill — 
The struggling souls that turn to me, 
And each with courage new instil ; 
This boon, dear Lord, I ask of Thee. 

A glimpse within ! Grant me to know 
The deeply-buried, bitter grief ; 
May such true love my heart overflow 
That touch of mine shall give relief ; 
This gift do Thou, dear Lord, bestow. 

A glimpse within ! May I forbear. 
And though his faults I can but see. 
My brother's burden may I share 
As Thou dost ease the yoke for me ; 
This, this, is Thy disciple's prayer. 



/:s 



2 SWEETLY SOLEMX THOUGHTS 



STEPPING HEAVENWARD. 

I think, dear fellow-pilgrim, that always we 

may say, 
Whene'er we pray for guidance, along the 

narrow way, 
That heavenward we're stepping, although 

the steps are slow. 
That ever light is shining — that God does 

strength bestow. 

I think, dear fellow-struggler, that, though 

we cannot see. 
The path that stretches onward is best for 

you, — for me; 
That, though must intermingle the roses and 

the thorn, 
A cro^vn is surely waiting — each brow it may 

adorn. 

I think we all are pupils; though hard the 

lessons taught, 
That, daily, we are learning that each has 

blessings brought ; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 73 



One step — and then another — the climb is 

long and steep^ 
Yet, o'er us each His angels their faithful 

watch shall keep. 

So, step along, my brother, and lusty be the 
song; 

A song of joy and gladness to Christians 
should belong; 

For heavenward we journey; each evening we 
can say — 

^The goal is nearer, nearer — the end is per- 
fect Day!'' 



74 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



A GOLDEN GATE. 

Unbarred it stands, that all may enter in; 
To eye of faith it may in beauty shine ; 
And those who once have passed within, are 

led 
With hands held fast by one that is divine. 

A golden gate, though passing through we 

find 
A way with thorn, with brier, oft beset, 
Yet those who stedf ast, brave, undaunted are. 
Shall sunshine know, unshadowed by regret. 

A gate that ever swings, that all the sheep, 
As they shall pass, mav find a sheltering 

fold; 
For there the Shepherd stands, and, seeking 

Him, 
The wanderer sees it is a gate of gold. 

This golden gate, for us, stands open now ! 
soul ! I pray thee strive to enter in ; 
A Golden City with its gates of pearl 
Beyond it lies — for those who victory win. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 75 



EVEN SO. 

"The hills stand about Jerusalem ; even so standeth 
the Lord round about His people, from this time forth 
for evermore." — Ps. 125 : 2. 

About the Holy City, Lord, 

Thy hills, protecting stand; 
And, ^^even so,^^ the promise reads, 

Doth Thy almighty hand 
Thy children keep ; blessed thought, 

That fills the soul with cheer ; 
In strength of which we labor on. 

And know that Thou art near ! 

Those mighty hills, untiring, stand. 

And in their keeping hold 
Fair Zion, beautiful to see. 

Its temple roofed with gold ; 
And ^^even so,'^ for ^tis Thy word. 

Each soul may look to Thee; 
Whom Everlasting Arms enfold 

Afraid need never be. 

About the temple of each soul. 

In beauty now behold 
Those hills, from whence its help shall come. 

The care that shall enfold; 



76 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



For^ ^^even so/' "from this time forth/' 

Again^ "for evermore'' 
The message reads : — Love cannot fail ! 

trusty as ne'er before. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 77 



ATHIRST. 

For the Deaf. 

"I cannot hear ; yet, in God's courts I long 
For sweet refreshment to my thirsty soul ; 
For preacher's word, for music that would 

thrill, 
And prayer to strengthen for the far-off 

goal." 

* * * 

"Thou art athirst ! yet, Soul, remember this — 
In temples thou hast made He doth not 

dwell ; 
The waters flow ; the fountain is for thee. 
And thus thy heart may heavenly music 

swell. 

"0, to the watepg come; and freely drink; 

Lift up the heart, the very stillness bless ; 

And, looking up. His love shall make thee 
feel 

A joy, a peace, that sound could ne'er ex- 
press." 



SWEETLY SOLEMX THOUGHTS 



THY DAY. 

A Yesterday can never be 

A day to call mine own. 
And no regret, no reixoepect. 

Can for its deeds atone; 
To God the Yesterdays belong; 

He, all my weakness knows; 
I leare them all for Him to jndge — 

Hi? mercy oTerflows. 

Tomorrow is not yet mine own ; 

Tomorrow mav not be; 
Wbat it shall hold of joy or grief, 

I may not — cannot see. 
But, ere for me its morning dawns. 

And all the shadows flee, 
A Father I can tmsty to send 

\niat shall be best for me. 

But now — to-day — ^He gives to me; 

Ti5 His, bnt, also mine — 
For all it holds ihe promise is 
A strength that is divine; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 79 



Father ! take my hand ! I leave 
The Yesterdays with Thee; 

1 know, as each Tomorrow dawns, 
Thou my support shalt be. 



80 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



ABBA-FATHER! 

0^ with what wealth of meaning this wond- 
rous word is fraught I 

A Father who His cliildren this tender name 
has taught ! 

Xo longer we in bondage as ''servants' who 
obey^ 

But^ ^'children' of a Father^ whose will we'd 
choose alway. 

And oh ! with what true courage each battle 

may be fought 
By children of a Father whose strength is 

daily sought; — 
Xot comfortless, not lonely, we, all things 

may endure. 
As children of a Father whose promises are 

§ure. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 81 



UNTO THE HAVEN. 

Billows of doubt 
Are mountain-high, 
And darkness shrouds 
Once star-lit sky; 
Yet, — tempest-tossed, 
To Christ I cry. 

The wild winds rage 
On Galilee; 
Asleep — at rest — 
My Lord I see; 
Yet — He awakes ! 
He saveth me ! 

The haven lies 
Or far, or near ; 
It matters not. 
Since Christ is here, 
For He, my bark 
Will safely steer. 



82 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



"THE BELOVED OF THE LORD." 

Who is it^ Lord^ who may this title bear ? 
Who^ safely dwell enfolded by Thy care ? 
^*'He who doth strive all My commands to 

keep^ 
Shall know the love the Shepherd gives His 

sheep.' 



^^ 



Who is it^ Lord^ who, leaning on Thy breast, 
Alone may know the confidence of rest ? 
'^•My Father's love is his who doth obey. 
Thus shall he know the Life, — the Truth, — 
the Way." 

Who is it. Lord ? Xow, Lord, would I believe, 
Into Thy fold once wayward sheep receive. 
^*Enter, beloved, henceforth to dwell with 

Me; 
This name so sweet shall be possessed by 

thee." 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 83 



THE INN OF COURAGE. 

Therein am I a welcome guest, 
It matters not what be my quest; 
With restless mind, — heart not at ease, 
The world without holds naught to please; 
Its threshold crossed, I learn to smile ; 
AVhat secret charm doth care beguile? 

Therein am I a welcome guest, 

E^en though my need be unexpressed; 

Once saddened soul is filled with cheer. 

As to its hearth I draw me near ; 

Its threshold crossed, I learn to smile ; 

What is the charm I feel the while ? 

Therein abides, to greet each guest. 
Sweet Courage, found by faithful quest ; 
There, peace — hard won from grief and pain, 
Is glowing sunshine after rain; 
So, once Vye crossed that threshold o'er, 
I'm gladder, — braver than before. 



84 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



A ROSARY. 

God ! to Thee at dawn I pray, 

Be with me through the coming day. 

At noon I fold my hands in prayer, 
And on Thy love I east my care. 

And when at eve I kneel to Thee, 

1 am at peace till shadows flee. 

0, grateful is my upturned gaze. 
Whene'er Thou givest golden days. 

In sore temptation will I cry, 

let me feel that Thou art nigh ! 

When sorrow crushes, Lord, reveal 
The chastening love that I would feel. 

And when, Lord, life ebbs away. 
Do Thou, for one too feeble, pray! 



mir^mfmwmmmfmr^f Mi . u . . .xrt 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 85 



SUNDAY. 

What is it right to do to-day, 
And what the rule I should obey? 
Should I from week-day joys abstain? 
I ask myself again — -again. 



Hast thou no need of time for prayer? 
Hast thou no time for Christ to spare? 
Are there no joys the soul may know 
Above delights it may forego? 

Hast thou no need awhile to rest? 
To lean, with John, upon His breast? 
To silent harken for His voice, 
And then to make His will thy choice? 

Thus shalt thou know what is the right, 
With law of God for thy delight; 
Thus, purest joy shalt thou obtain; 
And love shall be thy song's refrain. 



86 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



PRAYERS WHEN TEMPTED. 

Lord^ vouchsafe Thy strength to me! 
I would offer this to Thee; 
Grant that I may conquerer be. 



Let the Tempter not beguile; 
Teach me bravely, now, to smile ; 
Keep me near to Thee, the while. 

* * * 

Sweet oblation I would make; 
Self deny for Thy dear sake; 
Lord, my bounden duty take. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 87 

THE CHORD OF SELF. 

Dedicated to the Unselfish. 

The ''Chord of Self" in music 

Has passed out of sight. 

And thus thy life in singing 

Gives unalloyed delight; 

The clouds are grey? — they lower? 

Yet rifts of heaven's blue 

Thy childlike faith is glimpsing — 

We see the rainbow's hue. 

The chord of self is silent. 
Yet sweetest echoes ring; 
For hearts in Christ abiding 
To other hearts must sing; 
Thou knowest pain? or sorrow? 
Yet, with the Healer found. 
The ''minor in the caro?' 
Gives place to joyful sound. 



88 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



HOLY COMMUNION 

blessed Master, break once more 

For us the Bread of Life ! 
Vouchsafe Thy strength, we now implore, 

While fierce the strife. 

Saviour divine. Thy blood outpour. 

Make scarlet sins as snow; 
0, let each soul, for evermore. 

With love overflow! 



Strengthened, — refreshed to live anew 
With Thee in sweet accord. 

May we undaunted be, and true. 
Most gracious Lord. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 89 



"COME UNTO me; 



ii 



Thou art not worthy? sin-defiled? 
I died to make thee pure^ My child; 
I know thy frailty, and I long, 
With My great strength, to make thee 

strong ; 
do not choose the words to say ! 

do not even try to pray ! 

Mine outstretched hand I bid thee see; 
Come unto Me ! come unto Me ! 

"Thou art so weary? — yes — I know, 
With pity doth My heart overflow; 
Thy ceaseless strivings all are vain. 
No human touch can ease the strain ; 
And, when dread fears and doubts assail, 
Wert thou alone, thou couldst but fail; 
Kine outstretched hand shall thee uphold, 

1 wait, — with w^elcome to the fold. 

"The cross of pain. My child, is thine? 
It is of chastening love the sign; 
To thee I softly draw anear. 
Thy very heart-throbs I can hear; 



90 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



do not choose the words to pray ! 
My love divines what thou wouldst say ! 
Mine outstretched hand doth wound-prints 

bear. 
Thy Saviour would thy sufEering share. 

^Though all unworthy — as thou art, 
Give Me thy sad^ repentant heart; 
Though conscious that thou canst but fail, 
Lean on the Arm that shall prevail ; 
When fear and doubt shall sore distress, 
When suffering craves My tenderness, 
'Tis then I long thy life to fill;— 
Mine outstretched hand is waiting still !'^ 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 91 



A UTTLE WORD 

A little word can mean so much ; 
A little word a joy may give; 
A little word a sword-thrust be; 
That makes it, oh ! so hard to live ! 

A little word can mean so much; 
A little word as balm may heal; 
A little word unjustly said 
A tender heart may cruel feel. 

One little word a volume holds, 
It is our Saviour^s ^^Inasmuch^^ ; 
Our little words should Christ-like be, 
As other's lives our own shall touch. 



92 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE EPIPHANY. 

With the Magi, Saviour, we would now adore. 
Gladly treasure bringing from our precious 

store. 
Gold — to One who reigneth in our hearts a 

King, 
Incense — as our censers in Thy worship 

swing. 

And the myrrh — Saviour ! at Thy feet we 

lay, 
For in gloom and sorrow we would still 

obey; 
Bethlehem's Babe star-guided, burdened 

souls have found. 
Loyal hearts, forever, shall His praises 

sound. 

Grant, to those in darkness, we may carry 

light- 
Lift their eyes to heaven, with Thy radiance 

bright ; 
Myrrh and gold and incense — love and life 

and praise. 
With the Wise men offer, as in olden days. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 93 



THE NEED UNKNOWN. ^ 

Father above ! the while I lowly kneel, 
Do Thou, to me. Thy tenderness reveal; 
So much I need, yet what, I do not know ; 
I pray that Thou the path, untrod, wilt 
show. 

I kneel — I silent kneel Thy throne before; 
I cannot know what blessings lie in store, 
N"or can I tell, though longings fill my heart, 
What Thy dear love in wisdom may impart. 

And so, dear Father, while I humbly kneel, 
Alone I seek entire trust to feel; 
To leave with Thee, I bring my need un- 
known. 
Let full content, for joys withheld, atone. 



94 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



THE SONG OF THE SOUL. 

A song of rhythm true and sweet; 
A song we learn at Jesus' feet, 
Nor jarring chord need ever fear 
If we but live to Him anear. 

A song that other lives may hear ; 
A song to fill faint hearts with cheer, 
When all that is within shall bless 
The Lord, who is our Eighteousness. 

A song that reaches to the skies; 
A song whose echo never dies, 
Wherein the heart and mind may meet, 
And thus its harmony complete. 

Beneath the shelter of His wing. 
Each soul is strong this song to sing; 
Each life, in peace beyond all ken. 
Shall find at last its glad ^^Amen.^^ 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 95 



"AN UPPER ROOM -FURNISHED." 

An upper room, soul, prepare, 

That thou may'st meet the Master there! 

His Table waits for thee as guest, 

If thou hast all thy sin confest; 

Lift up thy heart ! ^tis right, — ^tis meet, 

When He doth gracious words repeat. 

An upper room where reigneth peace, 
Where at His word, all tumults cease; — 
A pierced hand still breaks the Bread, 
The Cup is filled with blood He shed; — 
Lift up thy heart ! then lowly kneel, 
That thou His benediction feel. 

An upper room all cleansed and fair, 
Made fragrant by the breath of prayer! 
There may'st thou be a well-loved guest 
And lean, with John, upon His breast! 
Lift up thy heart I in silence kneel, 
He will, perchance, Himself reveal. 

An upper room ! harken still ! 
The Master speaks — obey His will; 



96 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



^The Shepherd careth for His sheep" ; 
"My Passover with thee I^d keep'^; 
Within this room, soul, abide, — 
So shall all life be sanctified. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 97 



"BEHOLD THY MOTHER!" 

What tenderness those three short words 
enfold ! 

No volume could their depth of pathos hold ; 

"Behold thy mother!'^ through these shad- 
ows drear^ 

Be thou her light — her comfort and her 
cheer. 

"Behold thy mother V^ still Thy voice I hear, 
And still Thy matchless tenderness revere; 
"Behold thy mother'' ; 'mid the shadows deep ; 
As angel guard, when rough the path and 
steep. 

"Behold thy mother!" though earth's shad- 
ows hide, 

Hear still those words from Him once cru- 
cified ; 

"Behold thy mother !" keep her heart aglow, 

Give her the gifts love only can bestow. 

And, while thine eyes thy mother may be- 
hold. 
With all thy strength her feebleness enfold; 



98 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



When death shall part^ sweet shall mem- 
ories be. 

If now, dear Lord, I heed those words from 
Thee. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 99 



THE HASTY WORD. 



It left my lips in fretful tone, 
would it were unspoken! 
That hasty word, of war within, 
Beyond mistake the token. 

It left my lips — and left a sear, 
Of sad defeat the token; 
hasty word, a lesson teach. 
That others be not spoken. 



100 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING. 

Eejoicing let thy spirit be; 

Hold fast the Hand held out to thee, 

Xor let th}' life be desert drear; 

A cloud-like pillar leads by day^ 

At night, of flame, one shows the way. 

The Lord thy God is ever near. 

And peaceful let thy spirit be ! 

Though storms shall rage on Galilee, 

A gentle Voice its waves shall calm; 

An ^^As thy day,^' when dawns each morrow, 

A "Peace, be still,^' when cometh sorrow — 

In these — in these, find healing balm. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 101 



THE ANGEL OF PATIENCE. 

How sorely do I need her 
Through all my crowded day, 

When all good resolutions 

Have winged themselves away! 

I need her touch to prison 
The quick, the fretful word, 

When thoughts, rebellious, struggle 
To make their meanings heard. 

I need her hand unflinching. 
When commonplace my task. 

When, not content, I^m longing — 
For things withheld would ask. 



I need thee, Angel Patience ! 

come to me, I pray ! 
I may not bid thee welcome, 

Yet, I entreat thee, stay ! 



102 SWEETLY S0LE:MX THOUGHTS 



MINISTRY. 

"We are to represent Christ in the world." 

—J. R. Miller. 

"IVe work for thee — alway for Me 
Each labor may be done; 
With patient hands that aid bestow. 
With willing feet to run. 
And^ in a voice of tender tone. 
My message thou canst give ; 
Mv life of ministrv on earth 
Henceforth is thine to live. 

" ^Where find it ?' dost thou, wondering, ask ? 

If but thine heart be true, 

'Twill guide thee always in the path 

That leads to what to do; 

The poor, to thee, are ever nigh. 

The sick, or sad, to heal. 

And, by forgetfulness of self. 

Thou canst My love reveal. 

^^And if, at times, the burden seem 
A yoke thou canst not bear, 

Eemember how the mountain-top 
Became My house of prayer; 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 103 



The world upon thee presses sore? 
The human heart is frail? 
Look up ! the Father's promised strength 
Shall all thy need avail. 

" Tis thus that My disciple true 

Shall still My gospel preach; 

A life that's lived anear to Me 

Will e'er My precepts teach; 

Thy gentleness shall sorrow soothe; 

The weak shall lean on thee ; 

And, losing life, thou life shalt gain ! 

Ye did it unto Me !" 



104 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



VALE. 

I would not call thee baek^ dear friend, 
I am rejoicing in thy rest 
From toil^ — from sufferings — from all ills. 
At peace the heart, once sore distrest. 

I do not say farewell, dear friend; 
I know that we, again, shall meet; 
That, in "God's House,^^ we shall renew 
The "counsel,^' erstwhile found so sweet. 

I wipe away the tear, dear friend. 
Lest it my faith should seem to dim ; 
Mine ears unclose that I may hear 
Some echoes of triumphant-hymn. 

"Farewell !^^ nay, that is far too sad! 
My lips some brighter word shall choose ; 
On Paradise my thought shall dwell. 
And all its sting shall sorrow lose. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 105 

DOORS OUTWARD. 

Suggested by Words of George Macdonald. 

Out of self a door should lead ; 
Find we thus another's need; 
For by word, by thought and touch, 
May we heed the "Inasmuch/^ 

Out of smallness, — to the great! 
Petty cares thus lose their weight; 
When this door is opened wide, 
All of life is sanctified. 

Out of wrong, — to truth and right. 
Ever keep a door in sight; 
Knock ! in welcome thou shalt see 
Pierced Hands outstretched to thee. 



106 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



STRENGTH DIVINE. 

^^Thy tender Saviour^ loving^ leans to hear, 
Disciple true^ the prayers that would be 

thine/' 

* * * 

^% Lord^ with love that knows no thought 

of fear^ 
Seek strength divine/' 

* * * 

^^A savor sweet thine every deed shall be, 
If it be wrought for feeble child of Mine/' 

* * * 

"With gentle touch I minister for Thee, 
In strength divine." 

"Thy mind, if it with gentle thoughts over- 
flow. 
Shall be of thy discipleship the sign." 

* * * 

"As incense sweet I will, then, heavenward 

go, 
By strength divine." 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 107 



THE TABLELANDS OF GOD. 

What though each life a steep ascent must be, 
O'er jagged rocks, by many footprints worn; 
Though upward, upward lies the rich reward^ 
By angel-hands each pilgrim may be borne. 

And, at the top, a Promised Land we view, 
No downward slope must feet aweary tread; 
The tablelands, in wondrous beauty, stretch; 
Before the light, dread darkness shall have 
fled. 

The tablelands of God! this image take, — 
For it shall soothe — to weary soul give rest; 
Still upward climb; let firm thy footfall be; 
Alway thy goal the lofty mountain's crest. 



108 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



"JESUS OF NAZARETH PASSETH BY." 

Jesus^ my Saviour^ passeth by ! 
From earth-sights have mine eyes grown dim^ 
They tell me not that He is nigh, 
Xor rest on Him. 

Jesus, my Saviour, passeth by! 
Yet close-sealed are these eyes of mine; 
Nor will my lips imploring cry 
For aid divine. 

Jesus, my Saviour, passeth by ! 
My heart is full of dread, of doubt. 
Its portal barred; and this is why 
He stands without. 

Jesus, my Shepherd, passeth by! 
A cross His dying love has told ! 
I, bruised and bleeding, yet may lie 
Within His fold. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 109 

TAKE THEM TO CHRIST. 

(Elizabeth Prentiss.) 

The wearied fleshy the heart that's cold, 
The dread of wandering from the fold, 
Who does not these sore trials know, 
When longing still to forward go? 

The wearied flesh thy Saviour knew ; 
As He was tried, so thou art, too; 
Ah ! when thou canst not feel or pray. 
Be patient with thyself, alway. 

Nor chide thyself; He knoweth well 
The heaviness thou need'st not tell; 
Thou canst not fly, nor canst thou go; 
His heart with pity doth overflow. 

0, when they press, these trials take 
To One who suffered for thy sake; 
Nor grieve o'er what thou mayst not feel. 
But trust in Him — His love shall heal. 



no SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

FOLLOW ME. 

The Memory of a Sermon. 

"More closely than thou hast before, 
With love that better understands, 
thou, who standest on the shore, 
Heed now thy loving Lord^s commands! 

"Thou, who by faith, in years now past. 
My life on earth. My love hast known. 
Hark, now, and let a present zeal. 
For love thou hast withheld, atone. 

"Overhead the same wide arch of blue ! 
Thy feet still press familiar ground ! 
And yet, in resurrection-song, 
A deeper chord should ever sound. 

"More bravely, then, than e'er before. 
Thy risen Lord's behest obey; 
Eternal life, e'en now, is thine. 
For hope I give illumes the way." 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 111 



"AND LO! THAT HAND IS SCARRED. 

A Hand, to lead me, gently 
When rough the road, and steep ; 
The Saviour asks me only 
Mine own in His to keep. 

A Hand, to firm uphold me 
When long the journey's length; 
My Saviour asks me only 
To lean upon His strength. 

A Hand, to soothe in sorrow, 
To cool the fevered brow; 
My Saviour asks me only 
To love and trust Him no\^. 

A Hand, to give with blessing 
The Bread, the cup of Wine; 
The Master asks me only 
To feed on food divine. 

A Hand, when I am lonely 
And human helps must cease. 
Upraised to give the blessing 
Of perfect, perfect peace. 



112 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



A Hand to lead me^ dying, 
Across the darksome vale, 
0, if I clasp it closely, 
That Hand shall never fail. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 113 



IN SECRET. 

A quiet^ hallowed spot be mine, 

Where, daily, I may kneel. 

With reverent, longing, silent wait. 

Till God His love reveal ; 

A closet with a door fast-closed 

Upon all worldly din, 

Wherein the peace of perfect trust 

Shall calm the storm within. 

A mountain-top, where, as my Lord, 
Alone I seek for strength, 
Anew may find a Father's love 
To cheer my journey's length. 
Where, daily, I refreshment gain, 
And on His mercy feed; 
That manna for my hungry soul 
That satisfies its need. 

An altar built on holy ground. 
Where sacrifice I make. 
Where I my stubborn will lay down, 
And, for my Saviour's sake, 



114 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



All my intents^ my longings keen 
An offering meet I give ; 
And patient harken, till He teach 
The way that I must live. 

soul^ without these hallowed spots 

Thou treadst a desert bare ; 

Untouched by love^ unsheltered by 

A Father^s tender care! 

raise, to-day, an altar fair ! 

Close fast a closet door ! 

In silence wait — ^until His peace 

Shall bless thee evermore. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 115 



PERPLEXITIES. 

^^A cross methinks that I could bear, 

A yoke I might endure, 

If of my path I once could feel 

That it was straight — was sure. 

But doubts arise — mine eyes grow dim, 

Perplexed, I dare not turn. 

So many windings has the road. 

So much I need to learn.^^ 

* * * 

"These cruel doubts, these dimming eyes. 

These feelings of despair. 

Are but the yoke I will, dear child. 

That thou, for Me, shouldst bear; 

Give Me the doubts — I know them all^ 

Bewildered, come to Me. 

Thou blinded art? Then trust a Guide 

Who every step can see.^^ 



116 SWEETLY SOLE^fX THOUGHTS 



THE BURDEN OF A SIGH. 

Father, hear! fain: t 7 . : i: 

My heart I lift to Thee; 
With love that passeth knowledge. Lord, 
Xow eoiaf ort me. 

hear me. Father, as I pray! 
Though L alone, must fail; 
Thy strength impart when bitter foes 
Shall me assaiL 

may the Spirit, as a dove. 
To my sad heart descend ! 
With love, strength, peace, I can endure 
Unto the end. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 117 



"IN THY FAITH AND FEAR." 

I love to think a tender thought^ 
E^en though it be with sadness fraught; 
To linger long with memories sweet 
Should make my trust the more complete; 

dearly-loved^ no longer here, 

1 bless thee for thy faith, thy fear ! 

That thou art near, I love to feel, 
When to our Father still I kneel; 
As I with thee His goodness share, 
May not our spirits meet in prayer ? 
I bless thee, who hast shown the way ; 
well-beloved, "Let us pray V^ 

The Church above, the Church below, 
May each the Father's mercy know; 
Though now for thee the race is run. 
We both await the blest, "Well done V' 
Would I might have thy faith, thy fear. 
The while I still must struggle here. 



118 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



TO ARMS. 

For God Almighty I enlist, 

To conquer wrong with right; 

I don the armor He provides, 

And brave the fiercest fight; 

Though smoke of battle dim mine eyes, 

Yet onward I will go, 

Nor danger heed of shot and shell. 

To meet the ready foe. 

Though all obscure my battle-field. 

Unnoticed by the world. 

My banner, for my Captain^s eye. 

Must ever be unfurled; 

When bugle-notes my requiem sound. 

May it be said of me, 

^The countless host one more has joined; 

His death was victory.^^ 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 119 



THE FALLING OF A TEAR. 

Saviour dear, I^m seeking now 
The grace that shall be given; 
Let peace descend, — to me extend 
On earth, a glimpse of heaven ; 

Thou, whose arm is strong to save, 
My weakness, pitying see! 

Arouse from sleep, from danger keep 
The soul that leans on Thee. 

I'm resting now, Saviour dear. 
With John, upon Thy breast, 

1 cannot pray — what I would say. 
Is better unexpressed; 

Thy touch of mercy. Saviour, 
Mine every wound can heal, 
'Twill, day by day, alway — alway. 
Thy precious love reveal. 

Saviour, if I trust in Thee, 
Each burden I can bear, 
'Twill lighter be because, with Thee, 
I've learned its weight to share; 



120 SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 



In sorrow^ sickness^ trouble^ 

I'll feel Thee at my side ; 

Though filled with strife^ my earthly life 

May thus be sanctified. 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 121 



THE TRIPLE "FOR." 

For-get thyself — 
Alway^ alway; 
Let word and deed 
Thy love convey; 
For-heai alway 
In deed, in thought; 
The patience learn 
The Master taught; 
"Father, /or-give/^ 
These words make thine; 
Thus shalt thou know 
A peace divine. 



ON THINGS ABOVE. 



niiaejT- ::.:::-:. :: -\^- " "11a, 

Aht-r -: 

Weku.; . : -r ?*3, 



r: w B ^ II- 



- - ':- ^ ^refly c . t _ _ ^ t : i thcwaght 

It : 1 : holy joy; 

On thiiu Te, O, may it dwdl, 

TJnstained :li'» aHoy ! 

For hearts l : is in ^bid attune, 

Shan hold 5^: : ^ and conmnme. 



T. . T* 



And as T ^ ^' 

"T- :T!1 '_ ^ - - _ _ 

weTl biing. 



t^ 



, J. IL (LJtJLV^ CI 



jantrite mind — 

'^ '-1. in n«w gfiall find- 



SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHTS 123 



AVhen^ sweetly solemn, comes the time 

That finite thought must cease, 

With ebbing strength we yet shall feel, 

As passing knowledge — peace; 

And still our sweetest thought shall dwell 

On Him we've loved— EMMANUEL ! 



DEC 18 1911 



Deacidlfied using the Bookkeeper proce; 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Sept 2009 

PreservationTechnologie 

A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATU 

Crant'c'^y TcATish-p, PA 1S066 
(724) 779-2111 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



DEC tl »9'5 



